They’re only open three days a week – Friday, Saturday, Sunday — and it’s a 30-minute drive from Five Points in Huntsville out to the sticks of Harvest. But there’s a reason LJ’z Backyard Bayou has built buzz here.

Larry “LJ” Johnson cooks Creole and Cajun recipes he grew up eating in Franklin, La., west of New Orleans near Lafayette. Front of house, Larry’s wife Wendy Johnson welcomes customers like they’re guests at a potluck.